About Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when
they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur.Mehrangarh
appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so well
built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and
the walls begin. It is approached by a series of seven gateways set at
an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the
gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across from huge
courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments that have been built
over five centuries of bristling history.
Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only
some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to the
visitors .These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows
overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been
ritually anointed to rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the apartment from where the
zenana women would watch ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where
affairs of state were discussed ; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room
with its octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would
play Holi with his Zenana .Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool
Mahal , Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas , while a large tent seized from the
Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what has came to be referred
to as the Tent Room .
Mehrangarh from the outside is impressive, and certainly forbidding.
There is a surprizing lightness to it though, once actually within the
fort.
Picture of Mehrangarh Fort
